How To Assess Whether A Herbal Insect Repellent Is Right For You

Herbal insect repellent solutions can be a viable alternative for people looking for something less hazardous than the standard chemical based creams and sprays which are controversial at best. There is a growing movement throughout the world which believes we should be doing everything we can to replace harsh chemical products with natural alternatives wherever possible, and it is hard to argue with that basic premise. However, it does need to be borne in mind that insect repellents are designed to protect people from extremely serious conditions, and that the most effective forms of protection are chemical based.

There is also controversy over the behavior of some world governments, and their treatment of some proven natural insect repellents. The European Union government is the worst offender, in that it has banned the sale of several substances if they are marketed as insect repellents, despite the fact that it has been proven in tests that they do in fact work in that role. Long established and proven solutions such as citronella oil have fallen foul of these laws, which are effectively reducing consumer choice for no valid reason.

An all natural insect repellent such as citronella may not be as powerful as a chemical such as DEET, and it may need applying far more often to maintain protection, but that is no reason to totally discredit it when test have proven that it does work. There are people, albeit a very few, who have experienced severe reactions to DEET and other chemicals, and to deny them the possibility of an alternative can hardly be considered a positive step. The only good news is that the product is still legally available, it simply cannot be advertised as what it is.

Organic insect repellent is especially useful for people who know they have a sensitive skin which may react badly to chemicals, and who need to spend long periods of time in an environment where insect repellents are needed. What must not be overlooked when we are evaluating chemical insect repellents is the overwhelming evidence that they cause disturbance to mental processes. Extensive tests have been carried out on employees of National Park facilities, and the results are quite disturbing.

Although chemical insect repellents appear safe, because very few people have suffered serious injury or illness as a result of their use, the evidence suggests that they have a more subtle damaging effect on health. Sleep patterns are routinely disturbed, suggesting a detrimental effect to the chemical balance of the brain. There is also a negative effect on mental clarity and alertness, as well as a depressing effect on the mind. For long term use, a safer natural insect repellent would be a far better idea, as long as it is powerful enough to work. You can get this effect from a more frequent application of a good herbal insect repellent.






 

Insect Repellent News:

 

Texoma Beetle Barrage
Texoma is being invaded by beetles. The insects are the latest creatures affected by the warm Winter and early Summer weather. Insect populations normally cut down by freezing temperatures, are now thriving...


Guest Column: Don't Let Pests Ruin Spring - Patch.com

Guest Column: Don't Let Pests Ruin Spring
Patch.com
Ward off mosquitoes by taking the following precautions: When outdoors, spray insect repellent on exposed skin or on clothing. For greater protection, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks. Empty standing water in gutters, birdbaths and flower pots .

and more »
..


Keep ticks at bay and mature tomato plants healthy - WTOP

WTOP
Keep ticks at bay and mature tomato plants healthy
WTOP
The spray would seem much easier on me as I have a large perimeter to treat." Garlic oil sprays (like the original Garlic Barrier and Mosquito Barrier) have been used for decades to reduce tick and mosquito populations, but the use of cedar oil against .

and more »
..


West Nile Virus surveillance begins for the 2012 season
Beginning June 1, the Four Corners Health Department, serving Butler, Polk, Seward and York Counties requests assistance from the public to monitor the presence of West Nile Virus in our community...


Thinking About Arianna Huffington While Hiking in the Catskills
(Illo: Chris Gash) It is May, and time to spray the doors and windows of my home. I trudge, unhappily, out to the garden shed. The insect repellent waits for me, but by the time I carry it back to the house, Ive already decided Im not going to spray the fucking doors or the fucking windows. Its a beautiful day. And yesterday, goddamn it, was City Day. City Day is the day, every couple of ...


How to protect yourself from deer ticks, Lyme disease
It's deer tick season, and anyone can be affected. We offer you tips from the Massachusetts Department of Health to keep yourself safe. Read our complete coverage, only in Thursday's newspaper...


Solutions to backyard mosquito problems - WXYZ

WXYZ
Solutions to backyard mosquito problems
WXYZ
Sure, you can cover yourself from head to toe with bug spray, but what if you want to get mosquitoes out of your yard, for good? Butch Reed has a yard full of mosquitoes at his home, and like a lot of homeowners, wants to take his yard back.

and more »
..

Insect-repelling fashion collection aims to fight malaria in style
Two Cornell fashion design students have developed fabric embedded with insecticide to protect against mosquitoes and other pesky bugs...


 




Many, if not all of the links on this website are affiliate links which means that we will be compensated if you choose to buy at some point in the near future. Please accept our sincere thanks for your support.


Technorati Tags: , ,